U.S. patent number 6,796,684 [Application Number 09/948,435] was granted by the patent office on 2004-09-28 for adjustable recessed light fixture.
Invention is credited to Joshua Z. Beadle.
United States Patent |
6,796,684 |
Beadle |
September 28, 2004 |
Adjustable recessed light fixture
Abstract
The recessed light fixture has an adjustable structure enabling
it to be rotated in relation to the ground located beneath it or
other reference level so that it is level, while it remains
attached to a support structure. The recessed light fixture
includes a cover and a light assembly contained within a housing.
The light assembly is attached to the housing using retention
members that are positioned within elongated receiving slots
located on the light assembly. The receiving slots allow the light
assembly to be rotated within the housing. Further, the receiving
slots enable the light assembly and cover attached to the light
assembly to be repositioned without having to reinstall the
housing.
Inventors: |
Beadle; Joshua Z. (San Diego,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
32991491 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/948,435 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/287; 362/372;
362/374; 362/375; 362/418 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S
8/024 (20130101); F21V 3/04 (20130101); F21V
11/02 (20130101); F21V 15/01 (20130101); F21V
17/164 (20130101); F21V 11/12 (20130101); F21V
25/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
3/00 (20060101); F21V 3/04 (20060101); F21V
11/02 (20060101); F21V 15/01 (20060101); F21V
11/00 (20060101); F21S 8/02 (20060101); F21V
15/00 (20060101); F21V 17/00 (20060101); F21V
17/16 (20060101); F21V 25/12 (20060101); F21V
25/00 (20060101); F21V 11/12 (20060101); F21V
019/02 (); F21V 021/26 () |
Field of
Search: |
;362/287,285,418,427,374,375,372,362,364,365 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Sember; Thomas M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Musick; Eleanor M. Procopio Cory
Hargreaves & Savitch
Claims
I claim:
1. An electrical light fixture for recessed installation in a
structure, the structure having a reference level, the fixture
comprising: a housing for receiving a light assembly comprising: an
opening; and at least one flange; at least one retention member
coupled to the at least one flange; the light assembly disposed
within the housing comprising: a frame; at least one light bulb
receptacle attached to the frame; and at least one slot positioned
within the frame for receiving the at least one retention member,
the at least one slot having a length adapted to permit rotation of
the light assembly relative to the housing; and a cover attached to
the light assembly for transmitting light away from the light
assembly, the cover having a longitudinal axis; wherein, if the
cover is oriented at an angle relative to the reference level, the
light assembly is rotated relative to the housing to align the
cover with the reference level.
2. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the cover
further includes at least one opening for transmitting light
produced within the electrical light fixture.
3. The electrical light fixture of claim 2, wherein the at least
one opening is at least one louver positioned parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the cover.
4. The electrical light fixture of claim 3, further including at
least one aperture for accessing the at least one retention member
when the cover is attached to the electrical light fixture, wherein
the at least one aperture is partially hidden from view by the
louver.
5. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, further including at
least one aperture for accessing the at least one retention member
when the cover is coupled to the electrical light fixture.
6. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least
one flange is positioned within the opening.
7. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least
one slot is positioned generally orthogonal to a bottom floor of
the housing.
8. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least
one retention member comprises two screws and the at least one
flange comprises two flanges.
9. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame
further comprises: a support member, comprising: two mounting
plates wherein at least one of the two mounting plates includes the
at least one slot for receiving the retention member and the two
mounting plates are positioned in a single plane; two transition
plates coupled to the two mounting plates and positioned generally
at acute angles relative to a plane that includes the two mounting
plates; and two generally opposed receptacle receiving plates
coupled to the two transition plates for receiving at least one
light bulb; and at least one reflective element coupled to and
positioned generally orthogonal to the two receptacle receiving
plates.
10. The electrical light fixture of claim 9, wherein the two
mounting plates further comprise at least one hole for receiving a
retention member.
11. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, further comprising at
least one aperture for mounting the housing to a wall.
12. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, further comprising at
least one knock-out port positioned within the housing for
receiving electrical wiring.
13. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the housing is
selected from a group consisting of a fire retardant plastic and a
metal.
14. The electrical light fixture of claim 1, wherein the housing is
a junction box.
15. A light system comprising at least one electrical light
fixture, wherein the at least one electrical light fixture
comprises: a housing for receiving a light assembly comprising: an
opening; and at least one flange; at least one retention member
coupled to the at least one flange; and the light assembly disposed
within the housing comprising: a frame; at least one light bulb
receptacle attached to the frame; at least one slot positioned
within the frame for receiving the at least one retention member,
wherein the light assembly is rotatable relative to the housing by
moving the at least one slot relative to the at least one retention
member; and a cover attached to the light assembly adapted to
transmit light outward from the fixture, wherein rotation of the
light assembly chances a relative angle between the cover and a
reference level so that the cover is oriented to a desired angle
relative to the reference level.
16. The light system of claim 15, further including at least one
aperture for accessing the at least one retention member when the
cover is coupled to the electrical light fixture.
17. The light system of claim 15, wherein the at least one
retention member comprises two screws and the at least one flange
comprises two flanges.
18. The light system of claim 15, wherein the frame further
comprises: a support member, comprising: two mounting plates
wherein at least one of the two mounting plates includes the at
least one slot for receiving the retention member and the two
mounting plates are positioned in a single plane; two transition
plates coupled to the two mounting plates and positioned generally
at acute angles relative to a plane that includes the two mounting
plates; and two generally opposed receptacle receiving plates
coupled to the two transition plates for receiving at least one
light bulb; and at least one reflective element coupled to and
positioned generally orthogonal to the two receptacle receiving
plates.
19. The light system of claim 18, wherein the two mounting plates
further comprise at least one hole for receiving a retention
member.
20. The light system of claim 15, further comprising at least one
aperture for mounting the housing to a wall.
21. The light system of claim 15, further comprising at least one
knock-out port positioned within the housing for receiving
electrical wiring.
22. The light system of claim 15, wherein the housing is formed
from a fire retardant plastic.
23. The light system of claim 15, wherein the housing is formed
from metal.
24. The light system of claim 15, wherein the cover is formed from
metal or wood.
25. The light system of claim 15, wherein the housing is a junction
box.
26. A method of installing a recessed light fixture, comprising:
placing a housing within a support structure, the support structure
having a reference level, the housing comprising an opening, at
least one flange capable of receiving a retention member; and at
least one retention member coupled to the at least one flange;
attaching a light assembly within the housing, wherein the light
assembly comprises a frame, at least one light bulb receptacle
attached to the frame, and at least one slot positioned within the
frame for receiving the at least one retention member; attaching a
cover having a longitudinal axis to the light assembly; and if the
longitudinal axis of the cover is disposed at an angle relative to
the reference level, leveling the cover by sliding the at least one
slot relative to the at least one retention member to rotate the
light assembly relative to the housing.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the light assembly to
the housing further comprises tightening the at least one retention
member against the light assembly.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein leveling the light assembly in
the desired position further includes using a level.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein leveling further includes
removing the cover, backing out the retention members,
repositioning the light assembly, retightening the retention
members and reinstalling the cover.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein the cover further includes at
least one louver positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the cover for releasing light produced within the electrical light
fixture, and at least one aperture for accessing the at least one
retention member when the cover is coupled to the electrical light
fixture, wherein the at least one aperture is partially hidden from
view by the vent.
31. The method of claim 30, further including backing out the
retention members, repositioning the light assembly, and
retightening the retention members.
32. The light system of claim 15, wherein the cover has at least
one louver formed therein for transmitting light outward from the
fixture.
33. The light system of claim 32, wherein the cover is generally
rectangular in shape and the at least one louver is disposed
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover.
34. The light system of claim 32, wherein the cover has at least
one aperture formed therein for accessing the at least one
retention member when the cover is attached to the electrical light
fixture, wherein the at least one aperture is partially hidden from
view by the louver.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed generally to an adjustable electrical
light fixture, and more particularly, to a recessed light fixture
capable of rotational adjustment so that the light fixture may
appear to be level in relation to the ground beneath it.
BACKGROUND
Recessed light fixtures are becoming increasingly popular because
of their numerous inherent advantages in both indoor and outdoor
lighting installations. A significant advantage of recessed light
fixtures is their ability to provide light in locations where light
fixtures have traditionally not been located because they might
create an obstacle in a traffic area or because they might detract
from the desired visual impact of the area. Typically, recessed
lighting may be located in areas such as walls, ceilings, hallways,
walkways, retaining walls and nearly any other location
desired.
In new commercial buildings such as office buildings, hotels and
shopping malls, environmental lighting is often specified by the
architect as part of the design. When recessed light fixtures are
included in the lighting plans, it is desirable to prepare the site
for the installation during construction by forming recesses or
receptacles into which the fixture can be placed so that it is
substantially flush with, or only slightly extending out from, the
wall surface. The advance preparation of the installation site
avoids the necessity of cutting holes in the wall after
construction is completed, which can be particularly problematic
for concrete, brick or stone walls. Even so, it remains difficult
to install a recessed light assembly during construction of a
supporting structure so that the light assembly is level with the
ground beneath it upon completion.
For instance, during construction of a wall composed of concrete,
recesses are formed by building into the mold a structure
corresponding to each recess which is linked to one or more
electrical conduits through which the wiring will be run. The
housing may be attached to the mold so that the concrete forms
around it. When the wet cement is poured into the mold, the mold or
housing defines the location, shape and orientation of the recess.
However, under the weight of the cement, some shifting may occur.
Furthermore, while a mold builder typically attempts to correctly
position the structure for the housing, rarely is a level used to
ensure proper orientation. If the mold builder is under an
impending time deadline, the leveling of the housing for the
recessed light fixture is generally not very high on the list of
priorities, exacerbating the leveling problem. As a result, it is
not uncommon for the housings for recessed light fixtures to be
tilted at an orientation which is not parallel to the ground. The
lack of leveling becomes particularly noticeable when there are a
number of recessed light fixtures installed in a wall along a
walkway, where it becomes very obvious that the fixtures do not
follow a straight line. Thus, one generally should not rely solely
on the concrete formers to ensure correct installation of the light
fixture.
For installation in stucco walls or drywall, a housing or box for
supporting the recessed light fixture is typically mounted within a
wooden frame built within the structure supporting the wall.
Generally, the fixture housing is roughed into the wall using flex
conduit. It may be nailed or screwed to the frame. While mounting
the housing for a recessed light fixture within a stucco wall or
drywall may be easier than mounting it within a concrete, brick or
stone wall, it is not uncommon that after its installation, but
before completion of the wall, the housing mounted in the wall will
be struck or bumped in a way that will knock the housing out of
position. Thus, even though the housing was positioned correctly
within the structure at the outset, the light fixture is not in the
correct position upon completion of the wall.
Thus, the need remains for a recessed light fixture having an means
of adjustment enabling the light assembly to be positioned and
moved independent of its housing so that the light fixture appears
to be level in relation to the floor or other desired point of
reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed light fixture comprises an
adjustable structure which allows the light fixture to be rotated
so that it is level in relation to the ground located beneath it.
The light fixture includes a housing, a light assembly and a
retention member. The light assembly is disposed within the housing
and retained using the retention members that are attached to the
housing. The light assembly Is composed of at least one light bulb
receptacle and at least one slot for receiving the at least one
retention member. The housing includes an opening for receiving the
light assembly and a flange positioned within the opening.
The light assembly further comprises a frame and at least one light
bulb receptacle. The frame comprises two support members and, in a
preferred embodiment, a plurality of reflective surfaces. The
plurality of reflective surfaces are attached to and positioned
between the two support members. The two support members further
comprise at least one mounting plate, at least one transition
plate, and at least one receptacle receiving plate. In one
embodiment, the at least one mounting plate includes a slot for
receiving the retention member. The slot may be positioned in
numerous locations on the at least one mounting plate including an
upper edge, a bottom edge, or a side edge. Essentially, the slot is
positioned so that the light assembly may be rotated within the
housing so that it appears to be level with the ground beneath it.
During rotation, each retention member located within a slot guides
the light assembly. The at least one light bulb receptacle can be
any standard light bulb receptacle or may be a custom design.
Further, the at least one light bulb receptacle is mounted to the
at least one receptacle receiving plate.
In one embodiment, the plurality of reflective surfaces are mounted
to two receptacle receiving plates proximate to at least one light
bulb attached to the at least one light bulb receptacle in order to
reflect light produced by the at least one light bulb out the
opening of the housing. The reflective surfaces have numerous
finishes ranging from complete reflection to partial
reflection.
The recessed light fixture is mounted to a wall or other generally
vertical structure by first positioning the housing within the
wall. Preferably, this is accomplished during the construction
phase because it is less time consuming than forming the necessary
recess or hole after completion of the wall. During the process of
mounting the housing to a wall, electrical wires are inserted
through knock-out ports located within the housing. After the
housing has been mounted to the wall, the electrical wires are
connected to the at least one light receptacle. The light assembly
is then mounted to the housing. If the retention members are
already mounted in the flanges of the housing, the light assembly
is Inserted into the housing and rotated slightly to secure the
retention members within the slots. Otherwise, the light assembly
is inserted into the housing and the retention members are inserted
through the slots and the holes in the flanges. Once the light
assembly is secure, the cover is installed on the light assembly
using various attachment means, including, but not limited to,
screws, releasable adhesives, bayonet mounts, retention snaps or
other retaining methods.
The installer then assesses the position of the cover. If the cover
is correctly positioned, the installation process is complete.
However, if the cover is not in correct alignment with the desired
reference surface, the light assembly can be adjusted. First, the
installer determines the approximate angle of deviation from level.
In one embodiment, the light assembly can be adjusted by removing
the cover and backing out the at least one retention member. The
light assembly can then be repositioned and the retention members
placed in tension once again. The cover is re-installed and its
position is checked once again. Once the cover is in the proper
position, the installation process is complete. Otherwise, this
process is repeated until the installer is satisfied with the light
assembly's position.
In another embodiment, the light assembly's position may be changed
without removing the cover. Specifically, the cover may contain
openings and vents, which operate to deflect light downward.
Further, a portion of the at least one opening may be sized to
allow the retention members to be accessed from outside the cover.
Thus, the installer may back off the retention members without
having to remove the cover. Once the retention members have been
backed off, the light assembly may be realigned. The retention
members are tightened once the light assembly has been placed in
the desired position.
This invention is advantageous because it enables an installer to
correctly position a cover of a recessed light regardless of the
position its housing. Not only does this process save time, but it
also increases the aesthetic qualities of the light fixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a
part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present
invention and, together with the description, disdose the
principles of the invention, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recessed light fixture including
a housing and a light assembly;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover including retention snaps
for positioning a cover on a light assembly;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a recessed light fixture wherein a
light assembly is coupled to a housing and is rotated around the
retention members located within the slots; and
FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an assembled recessed light fixture
with a louvered front plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent the
same or equivalent structure and, in particular, to FIG. 1 of the
drawings, there is illustrated a light fixture 10 according to the
present invention having an adjustable mounting system enabling the
light fixture to be adjusted. More particularly, the mounting
system is capable of being rotated so that the light assembly is
level in relation to a ground surface or other desired point of
reference.
The light fixture 10 includes a housing 12, a light assembly 14 and
a cover 16. Generally, the housing 12 is a hollow box-like
structure having an opening 18 on at least one side 20 and at least
one flange 22. In one embodiment, the housing 12 has six sides 20.
Alternatively, the housing 12 can be any shape sized to receive a
light assembly 12. For instance, the housing 12 may be
hemispherical, elliptical, or polygonal. Further, the housing 12
includes at least one knockout port 24 for receiving electrical
wiring. Each side of the housing 12 may include a knockout port 24.
Alternatively, the housing 12 may not include a knockout port 20 or
the housing 12 may have any combination of sides including knockout
ports 24. Further, the knockout port 24 may include shapes such as,
but not limited to, circles or polygons composed of for instance,
squares or rectangles. The housing also includes at least one
aperture 25 for receiving a screw for attaching and securing the
housing 12 to a support structure. Further, the housing 12 may be a
junction box. The housing 12 is typically made of any material that
is compliant with Underwriter's Laboratory VO fire-rating, such as
a fire retardant plastic or metal.
The opening 18 located in the housing 12 is sized to receive the
light assembly 14. Preferably, the housing 12 includes two flanges
22, one mounted on each side of the opening 18, as shown in FIG. 1.
Each flange 22 includes a hole 26 for receiving a retention member
28. The retention member 28 may include, but is not limited to a
screw, a bolt, or a push pin having deformable retention rings. In
the embodiment wherein the retention member 28 is a screw, the hole
26 is threaded. However, in an alternative embodiment, the hole 26
need not be threaded. In this embodiment, a nut and bolt can be
used. The nut may either be attached to the flange 22 or not. In
the embodiment having the nut attached to the flange 22, the nut
may be welded to the flange 22 or formed within the flange 22
during manufacture of the flange 22 and housing 12. If the nut is
not attached to the flange 22, a lock washer, lock ring, or other
retention device may be used together with the bolt.
The light assembly 14 includes a frame 30 and at least one light
bulb receptacle 32. Preferably, the frame 30 comprises two support
members 34 and at least one reflective surface 36. The support
members 34 further comprise a mounting plate 38, a transition plate
40, and a receptacle receiving plate 42. At least one mounting
plate 38 contains a slot 44. The slot 44 is sized to receive the
retention member 28. Specifically, the slot 44 should be sized so
that it is wide enough to receive a shaft of a retention member 28
yet narrower than a head 29 of a retention member 28. Each mounting
plate 38 is coupled to a transition plate 38. The transition plates
38 are positioned generally at acute angles relative to a plane
that includes the mounting plates 38. The transition plates 38 are
mounted to the two generally opposed receptacle receiving plates
42.
In one embodiment, the frame 30 is composed of two mounting plates
38 which are positioned at opposite ends of the frame 30. A slot 44
is located within each mounting plate 38 that extends from an outer
edge 46 of each mounting plate 38 into the body of the mounting
plate 38. As shown in FIG. 1, one slot 44 can extend from a bottom
edge 48 of the mounting plate 38, and a second slot 44 can extend
from a top edge 50 of the mounting plate 38 positioned within the
opposite end of the frame 30. In an alternative embodiment, both
slots 44 set forth above can be positioned at opposite ends of the
frame 30 within bottom edges 48 or both slots 44 can be located
within top edges 50. In another alternative embodiment, the frame
30 may include only a single slot 44. In this embodiment, the slot
44 may be positioned either on a bottom edge 48 or a top edge 50.
Further, the opposite end is connected to the flange 22 using a
retention member 28 positioned within a hole in the flange 22.
Thus, the light assembly 14 pivots around the retention member 28
positioned within the hole in the flange 22.
The at least one reflective surface 36 connects and receives
support from the support members 34. The at least one reflective
surface 36 is positioned proximate the at least one light bulb
receptacle 32 in order to direct the light as desired. In one
embodiment, the at least one reflective surface 36 is attached
between two receptacle receiving plates 42 and angled so that light
produced by at least one light bulb 52 is directed out of the
opening 18 of the housing 12. The at least one reflective surface
36 can have a mirrored finish. Alternatively, the at least one
reflective surface 36 can be less reflective than a mirror.
Specifically, the at least one reflective surface 36 can absorb a
portion of the light produced within the light fixture and reflect
a portion of the light striking it. Such an embodiment may be
desired in certain situations where dim lighting is desired. The at
least one reflective surface 36 can be attached to the receptacle
receiving plate 42 through means such as, but not limited to, snap
fittings, adhesives, grooves, dovetails, or thermal bonding.
The frame 30 includes at least one receptacle receiving plate 42 to
which at least one light bulb receptacle 32 is attached. Each light
bulb receptacle 32 is preferably sized to receive standard sized
light bulbs 52 which are commonly known in the art. Alternatively,
each light bulb receptacle 32 may be a custom design. Further, each
light bulb receptacle 32 can include a means for attaching a light
bulb 52 to the receptacle 32. Means for attaching a light bulb 52
may include threads, a spring loaded quick connect connection that
is commonly used in the art, an interference fit, a pin connection
used in fluorescent lighting applications, or any other connection
commonly used in the art. The light bulbs 52 shown in FIG. 1 are
positioned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame
30. In an alternative embodiment, the light bulbs 52 can be
positioned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at
any angle between these two positions. In the preferred embodiment,
light bulbs 52 are high output halogen lamps. However, depending on
the desired effect, the light bulbs 52 can be selected to produce
light such as, but not limited to white light, soft light, colored
light, ultraviolet light, or what is commonly referred to as black
light. In addition, lenses, diffusers or filters can be placed in
front of the light bulbs 52 to reduce glare or spread the beam
emitted from the bulbs.
The light bulbs 52 and the opening 18 are covered once the light
fixture 10 is completely assembled and the faceplate or cover 16
has been attached. The cover 16 may be formed from a variety of
materials in numerous different designs. For instance, the cover 16
can be formed partially of an opaque material that is aligned with
each mounting plate 38 and partially of a transparent or
translucent material that is aligned with the light bulbs 52. The
transparent or translucent material may include, but is not limited
to glass, plastic, and PLEXIGLASS (a thermoplastic poly(methyl
methacrylate)-type polymer). In another embodiment, the cover 16
can be composed of a single material. The cover 16 may be smooth in
appearance or have a texture.
In yet another embodiment, the faceplate or cover 16 may be formed
from an opaque material such as, but not limited to, copper; brass
stainless steel; chrome plated steel; anodized or powder-coated
aluminum, polymers; or wood; such as teak, oak, cherry, walnut, or
mahogany. In this embodiment, the cover 16 includes at least one
narrow, long opening, i.e., a louver, positioned parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the cover 16. Generally, the louver is
intended to be parallel with the ground or other nearby reference
line. Preferably, the cover 16 includes between 3 and 7 openings or
louvers 56 that are directed downward so that the light produced by
the light fixture 10 is directed downward, as illustrated in FIG.
4.
The cover 16 further includes a means for being attached to the
light assembly 14. In one embodiment, the cover 16 can be attached
to the light assembly through at least one hole positioned within
the cover. Preferably the hole is located within a flange extending
within the louver opening, thereby concealing the screw, or other
attachment device, from view once the cover has been installed.
Alternatively, the hole can be countersunk and can be positioned on
the cover 16 outside of an opening, with attachment being achieved
by screws 58, such as are shown in FIG. 4. As another alternative,
the means for attaching the cover 16 can include rectangular
retention snaps 54, as shown in FIG. 2. The retention snaps 54 are
received by openings within the mounting plates 38, thereby
attaching the cover 16 to the light assembly 14. Further, the means
may include other methods of attachment commonly known in the
art.
A slight variation of the opaque cover 16 set forth immediately
above includes separating the louvers or sizing portions of a
louver opening to provide access to the retention members 28 when
the cover 16 is installed on the frame 30. Specifically, the access
holes are aligned with the retention members 28. This allows an
installer to attach the cover 16 to the frame 30 and adjust the
position of the cover 16 without first having to remove the cover
16.
The light fixture 10 set forth above may be installed in numerous
locations such as, but not limited to, a wall or any other nearly
vertical structure composed of different materials such as concrete
block, stucco, brick, brick tile, poured concrete, drywall, wood,
flag, slate, tile, paneling, metal, or any combination thereof. The
light fixture 10 can be installed into a block wall by first
creating a recess or hole in the concrete block large enough to
receive the housing 12. However, the opening should not be larger
than the exterior dimensions of the cover 16 so that cover 16
conceals the opening after the cover has been Installed. Before the
housing 12 is mounted to the wall, the electrical wires that
provide electricity to the light fixture 10 are inserted through at
least one knockout port 24 in the housing 12. The housing 12 is
then inserted into the hole in the wall and attached to the
concrete block using attachment means such as, but not limited to,
mortar, caulk, adhesives, or screws. If the light assembly 14 is
attached to the housing 12, it should be removed from the housing
12 in order to connect the electrical wires to the at least one
light bulb receptacle 32. After the light assembly 14 is removed
from the housing, the electrical wires are connected to each light
bulb receptacle 32.
Once the electrical wires have been attached, the light assembly 14
is positioned within and attached to the housing 12. If the at
least one retention member 28 is already coupled to the flanges 22
of the housing 12, the light assembly 14 is inserted into the
housing 12 and rotated in order to correctly align the at least one
slot 44 with the at least one retention member 28, as shown in FIG.
3. If the housing 12 is severely out of position, the housing 12
can be removed and repositioned. Alternatively, the light assembly
14 could be inserted into a housing 12 not yet having at least one
retention member 28 installed. In this embodiment, the at least one
retention member 28 could be installed within the flanges 22 after
the light assembly 14 is installed in the housing 12. After the
light assembly 14 has been installed, the at least one retention
member 28 is tightened.
After the light assembly 14 has been attached to the housing 12,
the light assembly is positioned so that it is level with the
ground or other desired reference point. The installer may insure
that the light assembly 14 is level by using a bubble level or
without the aid of instrumentation. The cover 16 is attached to the
light assembly 14. Once the cover 16 has been installed, the light
assembly's position is checked. If the installer is not satisfied
with the cover's position, the installer can remove the cover 16
and realign the light assembly 14 by backing out the at least one
retention member 28 and adjusting the light assembly 14. The at
least one retention member 28 is tightened and the cover is
reinstalled. The Installer once again checks the position of the
light assembly 14. If the installer is satisfied with the light
assembly's position, the installation process is complete.
Otherwise, the process is repeated. FIG. 4 illustrates an example
of a fixture for which the housing 12 (indicated by dashed lines)
is misaligned by an angle of about 10 degrees relative to ground
level line 60. The light assembly (not shown) and cover 16 have
thus been rotated, in this case counterclockwise, to make the
longitudinal lines of the cover 16 parallel to the ground level
line 60.
If an alternative cover 16 having holes under the vents granting
access to the retention members 28 is used, removal of the cover 16
to adjust the cover's position is not necessary. Instead, the light
assembly 14 can be adjusted with the cover 16 affixed on the light
assembly 14 by inserting a screw driver, for instance, through the
cover 14 to engage and rotate the at least one retention member 28.
Alternatively, another tool can be inserted into the cover 16 to
release the at least one retention member 28, if the at least one
retention member 28 is composed of something other than a screw.
After the at least one retention member 28 has been loosened, the
cover 18 can be positioned as desired and the at least one
retention member 28 can be tightened once again in position.
While various embodiments of this invention have been described
above, these descriptions are given for purposes of illustration
and explanation. Variations, changes, modifications and departures
from the systems and methods disclosed above may be adopted without
departure from the spirit and scope of this invention.
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